Looking for a new Spanish wine to try? If you like Spanish wines, and love Garnacha, you need to try the Las Rocas 2011 Garnacha.

Jhicks

The 2011 Garnacha comes from the cooperatives of Bodegas San Alejandro, an association of hundreds of small growers in Calatayud, one of the most productive of the Spanish regions.

With a significant number of vines in the area 80 or more years of age, the production of the juices brings out the unique flavors of this rocky area. The Calatayud region consists of rocky hills, with elevations from 2500 to 3500 feet.

The weather in the 2011 growing season was not conducive to large yields. Hot temperatures and dry weather, combined with a lack of rain in the region, ending up with a smaller than normal yield for the year.

At the same time, the conditions were favorable during the harvest for a high quality selection of grapes on the vine. A cooling trend during the actual harvest created conditions which ended up with the selected grapes displaying strong tannins and grapes with a fruity and jammy flavor.

The grapes after harvest were cold-soaked and fermentation took place at temperatures between 75 and 82 degrees. During fermentation, the juice remained in contact with the skins for 15 days. Malolactic fermentation allowed the juices to acquire a specific taste, pleasing on the palate and easy to enjoy. During the aging process, a small part of the Garnacha was barreled in French and American oak, creating a subtle overtone to the final product.

Details on the Garnacha include a Varietal designation of Calatayud DO of Spain. The alcohol content is a hefty 14.9% and the pH is 3.69.

As you drink the Garnacha, you will discover dark cherry, and blackberry, with that light oak on the palate. This is an enjoyable wine not only with the traditional meat dishes, but also goes well with stronger cheeses.

Las Rocas Garnacha was provided as a sample by Spanish Table Wine USA.

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Jim Hicks is a wine enthusiast who seeks out the affordable wines for daily enjoyment. He enjoys sharing information about lesser known wines and particularly those of Mexico's Guadalupe Valley. He is also the LA Boating Examiner